1941-1950

A decade of firsts, a second war.

World War II brings significant political, social and economic changes to Australia and South Street takes the decision to suspend the competitions from 1942 until peacetime. It is also a decade of innovation with the launch of our first all Australian car, the Holden and TAA’s first domestic flights to all capital cities. The ABC broadcasts its first independent news, Bradman scores his first century and Australia falls in love with the golden age of radio with popular soaps such as When a Girl Marries.

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1941

Despite the war, the Eisteddfod goes ahead and progress continues to be made on alterations to the Alfred Hall.

Miss Ellinor Morcom is appointed as South Street’s Official Accompanist, and remains a passionate supporter up until her death at age 91, while Mr F W Middleton is elected as President for a second term.

1942

With the advent of World War II, the South Street Committee suspends the 1942 Eisteddfod until peacetime, with wartime restrictions preventing interstate travel without permits and therefore giving little scope for a national competition. This is the first break in the competitions in 50 years and causes considerable disappointment for many local supporters.

The Japanese bomb Darwin.

1943

Instead of disbanding, the Committee agrees it should continue to function, and raise funds for the purchase of a grand piano for Ballarat. Up to this time a grand piano had to be brought from Melbourne when required.

1945

World War II ends and the Competitions recommence.

The Sun Aria Prize Money is raised to 300 Guineas, and the Vocal Section attracts 1,480 entries making it impossible to get through the work in the time allotted. Net profits from the Competitions are donated to the Prisoner of War Fund through the Patriotic Funds Council.

1946

Returned soldiers competing in the Sun Aria are permitted to deduct their period of war service from their age, and outstanding young Ballarat soprano, Elsie Morison, is presented with a cheque for £510 from the Trust Committee to allow her to receive tuition at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Elise went on to pursue an international career and become a regular member of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden where she sang not only the lead roles in Puccini’s La Boheme and Mozart’s Magic Flute but also appeared in operas by contemporary composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten and Francis Poulenc. A ‘crowning’ highlight came in 1952 when she was asked to sing at a memorial Concert for King George VI at the Royal Albert hall – and again in 1953 when she sang as Australia’s representative at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey.

1947

The Courier and Radio 3BA offer £100 as prize money for a Ballad Contest, which is introduced to the Senior Vocal Section.

Donald Bradman scores his first century.

1948

The Sutton “Star for Opera” Quest commences with prizes totalling 50 Guineas. Open to contestants aged 18-23 years, the Quest is designed to assist young singers hoping to pursue an operatic career.

Following a visit of the Western Australian Municipal Band, it is decided to revive the South Street Band Contest after a lapse of 14 years.

The first all Australian car, the Holden, is produced and millions of immigrants arrive post war as part of the nation’s immigration scheme.

1949

A special meeting of the South Street Society is called to consider whether the Competitions should proceed in view of the polio epidemic sweeping Victoria. It is resolved that competitors under 15 years of age not compete and the Junior Calisthenics Section is also cancelled.

A concert is held to establish a Percy Campbell Memorial Prize to be awarded annually to the Ballarat boy or girl who secures the highest marks in the Piano Solo under 14 years. Although partially blind since birth, Campbell had perfect pitch.

Aboriginal people become Australian citizens.

1949

The Louie Dunn Prize is established in memory of one of Ballarat’s noted teachers of Speech and Dramatic Art. It was established to be the pre-eminent award for Drama in an eisteddfod in Australia, and it remains so.

Did You Know?

Let the Competitions Begin....

In June, 1891 Ballarat saw the event of the year, the first South Street Society Competitions. 260 entrants competed for a moderate prize of 60 guineas (sixty pounds, 60 shillings). Literary, Elocution and Musical items were listed. The Essay competition on “The Most Urgent Social Reforms” was won by Robert Baird, and essays on “The Nobility of Labor: and “Recreation” were both won by Andrew Baird. Fittingly, Baird and McGregor are this year's 125 Celebration Great Debate sponsors. In the Impromptu Speech, Dugald McLachan was successful with the title “Deakin on Federation.” The Competitions ran for 10 days, and was hailed as an overwhelming success.